A Review of Sensors Used on Fabric-Handling Robots

摘要

While in most industries, most processes are automated and human workers have either been replaced by robots or work alongside them, fewer changes have occurred in industries that use limp materials, like fabrics, clothes, and garments, than might be expected with today’s technological evolution. Integration of robots in these industries is a relatively demanding and challenging task, mostly because of the natural and mechanical properties of limp materials. In this review, information on sensors that have been used in fabric-handling applications is gathered, analyzed, and organized based on criteria such as their working principle and the task they are designed to support. Categorization and related works are presented in tables and figures so someone who is interested in developing automated fabric-handling applications can easily get useful information and ideas, at least regarding the necessary sensors for the most common handling tasks. Finally, we hope this work will inspire researchers to design new sensor concepts that could promote automation in the industry and boost the robotization of domestic chores involving with flexible materials.